#I am happy that denji could let go all of it

[angstigone]

ngl at first I was a bit disappointed (denji pls stop mentioning your b*ners, I love you but...) but after searching some analysis and rewatching it, I am crying at my station as predicted.

is this tatsuki fujimoto way of saying we all should move on?

[dadsbongos]

CAN U PLSSSS WRITE A CUTE DENJI FIC OR HEADCANON/DRABBLE?? honestly idrc care which it is (obvi longer is preferred but i understand and am open to whatevs u give)

like about reader (fem) has a journal and in it she wrote about her dream dude, but like perfectly described denji and accidentally left it out and while they were hanging out or something cuz they besties he sees it and realized like "dude, that's me!" or something and then like a fluffy confession or something IDK that's just what i have sprinting through my brain rn 🤓

also maybe a lil kiss 🙏

thank you for giving me a denji idea... been fiending to write for him and just had 0 ideas

word count - 1.5 K / warnings - fem reader, not proofread!!, au where makima dies and denji just gets to be happy with special division 4 and they are familycore

~~~

“And the point of this is…?”

“I dunno,” Himeno answers honestly, shrugging, “I read somewhere that you can tell a lot about someone from their partner.”

“None of us are dating,” Aki huffs, fingers itching over the protrusion of his lighter in his pocket.

“Their preference in a partner,” Himeno groans in annoyance, gesturing out to the collection of papers in front of each of you, “Besides, what else do we have to do right now?”

Fair question, no matter how junky the science behind Himeno's apparent reading, not one of you had anything better to do. A storm was raging outside the Hayakawa apartment, all of Special Division Four having pooled there before the clouds even rolled in. Before Kobeni could shyly crawl out from the rambunctious crowd, there was lightning and thunder and an ear-piercing flood warning blasting on the television. 

So, Aki swallows the rest of his complaints and puts his head down with the rest of your division. His pencil sprawling over the paper Himeno slammed in front of him to describe his ideal significant other. A tedious task he's all too eager to bullshit through as soon as Himeno is finished staring down at him.

Denji is tapping the eraser of his pencil against the kitchen island, eyes straying around the living room. He worried his bottom lip between knifepoint teeth; only stopping when he tastes iron. Even Power has started writing.

Even you have begun writing. He wonders what you're writing. He wishes he could stretch his neck and take a peek without being obvious. He wishes he could read it at all.

Denji draws a stick figure that takes up a quarter of the page, dragging the lead back over the chest to add breasts. He glances at you through the side of his eye before adding hair and a small smile. And the black hair tie snug around your wrist even though he's only ever seen you lend it to Kobeni and Angel. Now he really can't avoid it: Denji has no idea how to write. 

Hopefully he can just coast with a bland drawing and let everybody think he's as shallow as they probably already believe. But when he lifts his head to glimpse at everyone else's pages, Himeno is already freezing him solid with her icy glare. Denji tucks his chin to his chest and subtly twists in the island stool to look at your paper again. 

Bullet points go five lines down the page; and the only thing he can make out is one of the few characters Aki’s taught Denji at his request:

愚か. Stupid.

Denji's eyes bounce back up to your face, eyes a little gooey and smile all soft. He knows that goofy look well, it's how he finds himself everytime he thinks about you. Before he can lose himself in that, he's jealous. You're making that lovestruck face over some stupid guy that Denji can't even write a strongly worded letter to. 

Denji writes one of the other few things Aki has taught him. Your name with a bold arrow pointing down at the stick figure. 

Then he erases it. He scrubs the pink bud over your name so hard he tears the paper in half. A loud shirrr dragging every eye to his hunched form, shoulders hiking higher over his face at the increased attention.

“Hark! The fool cannot even spell!” Power cackles, “Show me his words! Show me his mistake!”

“Power,” you chide, as though she's a fitful toddler and not a horrific Fiend, “Be nice. You can't write either.”

“Liar!” she points at you with a shaking finger.

Kobeni shyly taps Power on the shoulder before pointing at the paper overflowing with Power's manic ideals of a partner, “Anything else…?”

“Honesty!” she glares at you sharply, “And unwavering devotion!”

“Right…” Kobeni mutters unsurely, neglecting her own paper as she continues to scribble on Power's.

“Ignore her,” you scoot your stool closer to Denji and he manages to flip his page over before you can see the drawing, “Do you need help?”

He’s nodding before his mouth can even pop open, eventually he manages to sputter alongside it, “Yeah, yeah!” taking full advantage of his new opportunity to squish right against you at the island, “Can you write…”

Patiently, you await his request and he can feel his heart pumping in his throat every time you bat your lashes at him all sweetly. Your pen leaves jet black dots as it dips in your weak grasp, Denji has lots of words to describe you and all of them knot together on the tip of his tongue, tangled and lashing to fall from his lips at once.

Ultimately, he settles for the least descriptive, “Nice.”

“Someone nice,” you nod and scratch that onto his paper, “I like that.”

Denji feels his whole body go junky with sparks of electricity, blood boiling hot at how you feel comfortable enough to drag your paper into his full view. You point at your top bullet point, nail tacking loudly into the surface when his eyes don’t immediately stray from your face to the words below. Your bottom lip is sucked between your teeth as you study his reaction, leaning your face even closer to his.

Though you’re blurry and jumbled in his peripherals, Denji can still make out the upturn of your lips. He looks over the rest of the page, desperately searching for any other words he can make out and mold himself to. That, or cope and make up some ways in which he’s at least comparable to your dream man.

He can make out: Pretty.

Do you think Denji is pretty?

He sees another one he recognizes: 歯 -- teeth -- but there’s two characters before that he’s useless against. 

Denji has teeth.

“Sharp,” you whisper into his ear, tingles raising along his pale flesh.

“Huh…?” Denji turns to look at you, heat rising far up to his ears.

An airy, almost delirious, giggle floats into his ears as you circle the two mysteries before teeth, “Sharp,” then you circle teeth, “Teeth. Sharp teeth.”

“You like guys with sharp teeth?”

“Love ‘em.”

Denji swallows harshly, shakily pointing to the next bullet point, “What’s that mean?”

農民を尊重する.

You press ever closer towards Denji, leaning your chin on his shoulder, “‘Respects farmers.’”

“I respect farmers…” he mutters dumbly, “I love their work.”

“I know you do.”

Denji blinks down at you, his thick lashes beating on his rosying cheeks and spiky teeth punching back into his lip. His breaths are short and hard, red overtaking his cheeks like a flustered little Kewpie doll. So precious and sweet, ready to crack beneath your palms. He’d trust you wholly, and you know you’d treat him well. He knows, too. You’re nice.

You laugh at his stunned face, posture rigid. The sudden shock making his shoulder jab up into your jaw uncomfortably -- you find it terribly charming. 

“I like girls…” Denji sighs out in a tremble, eyes trailing down your face, “I like girls with soft lips.”

“Do you?” you inch closer, by now long forgetting the presence of your friends and colleagues in the apartment. Teasing is fun, but teasing Denji is just the best.

“Mhm.”

.

.

.

After an awkward pause, Denji follows the quiet hum with,

“Can I… kiss you?”

You nod against his shoulder, chin digging down into the bone. Denji stretches his neck to kiss you -- and your lips are even softer and more sugary than he imagined. His hands scratch out to cradle you to himself, continuously parched no matter how much of you he has to drink in. Warm hands and arms around you, clinging and wrapping and pulling. Wincing from the prickle of Denji’s teeth against your lip, you cinch a hand around the chest of his shirt and wrench it towards you -- pulling Denji closer along with it. 

“You like me?” he utters against your lips.

Pulling back, you flip around your paper and sear your index nail around a very recognizable word, “My ideal partner. I was a little scared to share at first…”

Denji almost jumps right off the stool, ready to coop you in his arms and swing you around fully in front of his roommates and coworkers. Instead he laughs in full disbelief to himself, reaching down to squeeze your other hand in both of his. You’re briefly concerned he’s cutting off blood flow before the joy of his pure excitement overtakes that concern. 

DENJI is big and plain over the very top of the page. 

“What changed your mind?”

You snicker right into his ear and reach out to flip over Denji’s paper, torn at the top, “I could tell you felt the same, pretty boy.”

Denji squeezes your hand even tighter, giggling almost feverishly before he’s sliding off the stool, “Wanna go make out in my room?”

“Thanks for having the decency to move now,” an unpleasant sneer breaks Denji’s cloudy dream-turned-reality.

“Fuck you,” Denji hisses at Aki.

“I think it’s cute!” Himeno pushes at the back of Aki’s head, “Focus on yourself!”

You let Denji drag you from the kitchen island and towards his (and Power’s, not that she’ll be allowed in for the next however many hours) room. 

“So, you really think ‘m pretty?” Denji’s voice teeters just on the edge of snarky, but his skittish, red frame speaks louder.

“Prettiest,” you coo, kissing his cheek.

The affection has him seconds away from blurting out an awkward, ill-timed: You’re really my dream girl.

[satubby]

Hei! Thsi is my first time requesting, i hope this is how it goess..?? Can you please do Platonic Yandere Denji + Platonic Yan Aki w/ touchy reader? (hugs,clinging onto arm) etc. ^_^

[I am glad to hear! Of course, although I will make it a bit short because I still need to adapt well to Denji and Aki's personalities, I need to assimilate them to understand them]

Since you were a child you have been kind and stubborn, having to deal alone with problems beyond your age, it was when you met this child: He was dirty and ragged, he cried when his knee was scraped, from there he was your first of many helps you gave him. Thus began your friendship, you gave him food and love.

❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢When they were children and he met you for the first time, Denji thought you were an angel fallen from heaven. He had never known kindness and affection from another person before. Since then he vowed to protect you from harm, so that you would never lose that warm smile. The one that made him feel so special, even though he sometimes got jealous when you gave the same smile to animals and acquaintances. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢You used to feed him a lot, of that he wasn't wrong, you really were kind. Then when the pochita incident happened, he got depressed at first, he didn't know what his purpose was now until he saw you in the middle of the chaos…. You embraced him. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Now that you are both demon hunters, Denji always makes sure to fight by your side on every mission. He couldn't bear to see you hurt. If he ever noticed you were in danger, he would instantly transform into Chainsaw Man to defend you, no matter what price he has to pay (We already saw how crazy he is to the point of enduring the pain of severed limbs or wounds). ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢He loves the moments when you can rest together. He loves the way you stroke his hair when he is resting on your legs, he feels like a baby in your arms. He is comforted just by your presence. Sometimes he even falls asleep imagining the life they could have if the world wasn't plagued by demons, how Onee-san/Imouto would call you and you would congratulate him on graduating from school…. even though he has never gone. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢He always watches you from afar to make sure you're okay. If he notices you're sad or stressed, he'll go out of his way to make you laugh again. He hates to see you suffer. His biggest motivation is to see you happy and protected, even as a small favor for teaching him the basics. Things like reading or writing his name, giving you love….

❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢On nights when he has nightmares of the past (or pochita's death), he seeks refuge in your arms. He knows that with you he is safe and that his inner demons cannot reach him. You are his only home in this world where he is not seen as trash or something usable. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Denji would be very sad and worried if he noticed that you put your safety before his. Like all those times as a kid when you helped him hunt demons because he wanted to return the favor by making you money. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢He would flatly refuse to let you participate in any mission that involves risk. He'd rather deal with demons by himself than see you in danger, if it's still mandatory for you to go, then he'll do everything for you. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢If you try to protect him by risking your life, he may panic and get out of control. Only the sound of your voice would calm him down. He would spend sleepless nights thinking of ways to make you understand how vital you are to him. He can't bear the thought of losing the most important person. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢He may call out to you in agitation, teary-eyed, begging you not to act so recklessly anymore. Seeing you hurt is his worst nightmare. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢If the situation were extreme and you were at high risk, he would probably stand between you and danger even if it meant harming himself. He would a thousand times rather suffer himself than see you suffer.

Denji would give anything to ensure your well-being and protection. It is very difficult for him to see you deliberately put in danger for his sake. You are what he loves most.

When Aki passes away in front of his eyes, Denji's heart shatters. It is too much for him to bear so much pain.

But then he remembers that you still have light by his side. He runs to find you, knowing that only you can calm the hurricane inside him.

He finds you crying too for the loss of the friend, so he hugs you tightly as he lets out all his pain in a sea of tears. Gradually, as he feels your comforting caresses on his back, the sobs subside.

"I am no longer alone…you are here with me" Your presence is like a balm to his broken soul. You kiss his forehead repeatedly, Denji still inhaling that scent that means 'home' to him.

"Thank you…for never leaving me. You are my strength, Onee-chan." Denji knows that as long as he has you by his side, he can get through any adversity. You are his grounding cable.

When Power sacrifices herself, Denji returns to seek refuge in your arms. Despite the disgust he feels with himself, you embrace him with a motherly warmth.

"You are not weak…you are only human. And we humans feel, we suffer, and we rise again." Your words heal him inside as if they were balm. With you he feels understood.

Denji would give anything to protect that smile that saves him when he needs it most. You are his safe harbor, his reason to go on.

Since Aki has met you, you have shown nothing but friendship and kindness, even if he is initially reluctant to open up to you… Given his experiences in this bloody world where lives are lost.

❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Aki always admires you as someone strong and trustworthy. Although he sees Himeno more as a superior, he sees you as a sister due to the proximity of your ages, he admires your leadership skills and your wisdom in difficult situations. After a hard day hunting demons, Aki finds comfort in your kitchen. You make sure he eats well, take care of him and Himeno. Food becomes a way to bond as a makeshift family. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢When Aki has nightmares about losing his family, you let him spend the night with you so he doesn't have to be alone. Waking up to your smiling face soothes him. Over time, the nightmares become less frequent. Aki picks up some of your best habits, like taking breaks and not overworking himself, as you warn him. He begins to take better care of himself thanks to your influence. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢You help Aki train and improve his sword skills. Fights with you push him to hone his skills, while providing him with a fun outlet for stress. Aki comes to see you as one of his most formidable opponents. On days off, you and Aki enjoy relaxing activities like going to the arcade or having picnics in the park. Simple pleasures help him feel like a normal young man again from time to time. Knowing that he can always count on your support gives Aki the courage to follow his path, even in his darkest hours, to the end. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Aki always feels more comforted and secure wrapped in your warm hugs after a stressful mission. He likes it when you wrap your arms around him protectively, especially if he was injured.

"I'm fine, don't worry," he would say even though deep down he knows it's a lie and can't see your silly face, yet he ignores that pain in favor of being comforted by your presence and care. He affectionately calls you "Imouto/Onee-san" or simply your name in a sigh of gratitude. These moments of tenderness make him feel that there is still goodness left in the world. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Aki tries to repay you for the great favor you do by feeding him and taking good care of him all this time. He gained culinary skills by watching you in the kitchen and now loves to cook for you, just to see your smile when you taste his dishes. "I hope you like it," he would say eager for your opinion. When he manages to surprise you with some special treat, he feels rewarded for hours of practice. He wants the chance to take care of you too, even if it's in the kitchen. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Aki sometimes gets a little jealous when you spend too much time with other people, as if they might steal you away from him. He knows it's ridiculous as he trusts you completely. But he can't help those possessive feelings for the one he considers his family. Try not to be obvious with his jealousy and trust that you will always come back to him, as you have done unconditionally so far. ❀.°• ─ ─ ─ ─➢Aki's greatest fear is losing you too. If you are in danger, desperation overpowers him and he will do anything to save you even if he has to face you. "Don't risk yourself like this, please. I couldn't bear to see another loved one go," he would plead with tears in his eyes. You are too important for you to give your life for his. He will fight by your side but never at your expense.

The noise of the battle around us faded. All Aki could see was your pale face in his arms, your eyes narrowing as you struggled to breathe.

"No… please don't." He whispered through his tears. "Don't leave me too."

You took his hand in yours weakly, trying to smile. "I'm sorry… I made… a promise… to protect… all of you…"

"Don't say that!" shouted Aki, pressing your body against him. "You'll be fine, you'll see! Just… hold on, please"

You shook softly. "Take care… of the others… Ani/Otouto… Keep… fighting"

"Don't you dare die!" He sobbed, leaning down so that their foreheads touched, "You're the only good thing I have left…. I can't lose you to."

Your eyes slowly closed as you caressed his cheek. "I'll always… be… with you… Ani/Otouto"

With your last breath, Aki roared in pain to the sky. You lay motionless in his arms, a faint smile on your lips. From that moment on, a part of Aki died with you.

[stopdyingnow]

Outcast // Hayakawa Aki x GN! Reader Fluff

Warnings: None. Sfw. Focuses on Aki and reader’s healthy relationship. Story note: This is before Power and Denji moved into his apartment and when Himeno was alive.

————- Note: I'M CRINGING SO HARD AT THIS ALREADY- ;_; ahem. Anyways, no manga spoilers or spoilers past season one are here. So Anime onlys are completely safe. :)

I randomly got motivation to do this since it is a shower thought I had. Fictional character brain rot, am I right? I don’t know if this is considered a full on fic but more of a one-shot. Hope you enjoy. This is my first time writing on Tumblr (or a full on one-shot in general lol) so yeah. Hope it isn't too bad, if you want you can give tips in comments. ^^

Ended up being a bit longer than I thought, it was fun writing even though I struggled a bit at times to be happy with the dialogue and stuff. May edit a bit (cough cough a lot) more.

————-

Another month, another day.

Nighttime had overtaken the skies as you hear your co-workers laughing and enjoying themselves. They're all having fun, no worries whatsoever.

You were invited by Himeno to go out and drink. To have some fun for a bit. To let go of reality for a bit. The harsh reality of devils and lives constantly being robbed of innocent people.

It was a successful mission, so you were at the ramen restaurant watching your colleagues get drunk off of alcohol. It smelled like sweat and alcohol in the air, as you quietly sat there at a table not speaking to anyone.

In all seriousness, you didn’t really want to come. You would much rather stay home in your comfort area. You mainly came for two reasons: one being that you didn't want to decline Himeno's offer and seem a bit rude. You were starting to run out of excuses to not come. Second, being that you didn’t want to be the only outcast who didn’t come to a meeting where your co-workers are supposed to celebrate and forget about worries. All in bliss, getting high off of alcohol, escaping from reality.

You chose a chair where not too much people were as their laughs kept echoing. You sat somewhere to at least make you seem a bit included. You didn't drink any alcohol. You weren't a big fan of some. Certain drinks to you tasted disgusting in your opinion, and you didn't know how someone like Himeno could drink it raw.

You tried to peer your eyes at anything in an attempt at trying to ease the awkwardness of not having anyone to speak to. You didn't want to make it obvious you felt left out. If you were being honest, you felt like an outcast, like you weren’t really as included as some other workers are. Nobody tried to talk to you. And if they would do other activities, you'd be at home. Uninvited.

Or if you were invited, you barely spoke to anyone. If someone would reserve seats in a restaurant for the entire division, you would be the the person who is most likely to have been forgotten. Leading you to then be forced to eat at another table away from everyone else. Either that or if you do sit with many others, you'd be there in silence. Only occasionally speaking as you watch everyone else chat away, carefree. Having fun, getting high, getting that spark in their chest when they find someone they really enjoy talking to, and enjoying their time there in general.

So in conclusion, you felt like an outcast to others. Some people would only occasionally speak to you, only to stop speaking to you again. You barely knew anyone of them outside of work.

Well, except for one person that is.

Hayakawa Aki. Professional Aki. Known for being number one devil hater. The man whose family was robbed of him. The man who was forced to grow up too early in his life.

The Gun Devil obviously impacted everyone. Including you. So you couldn’t help but sympathize with him. At least some people who got affected had somebody. Whether it was an aunt, uncle, grandparent…While for Hayakawa, he had nobody. He had always blamed himself for his brother’s death. You knew that since you’ve known him for a while now. He always has blamed himself ever since that day.

November 18th, 10:00 am.

The Gun Devil would arrive and hit Japan for 26 seconds.

Deaths: 57,912.

United States: 124 seconds, 548,012 deaths.

China: 37 seconds, 316,932 deaths.

Soviet Union: 210 seconds, 155,302 deaths.

India: 15 seconds, 29,950.

Canada: 7 seconds, 8,481 deaths.

Mexico: 2 seconds, 6,088 deaths.

Hawaii: 0.4 seconds, 780 deaths.

In about five minutes, the Gun Devil managed to rob almost 1.2 million people of their lives.

New laws were enforced, orphanages began to overflow with desperate children and teenagers alike, kids, adults, grandparents, teachers, nearly everyone alike was impacted by the Gun Devil.

Hayakawa Aki, the man who deep down is filled with sorrow, anger, and guilt.

You remembered all of that. Felt a bit of sorrow, pity, and guilt in your gut for him and other victims, as a familiar face you began to notice was standing in a corner.

You couldn't help but feel yourself light up a bit. It was an opportunity. At least someone you know is there. At least someone who you know personally is there instead of being alone awkwardly, barely knowing anyone. You then stood up, and begin to wave to him, being careful not to be too loud to the point other workers would notice you. But just enough to get his attention. He noticed your hand, as his eyes met yours and he began to walk to you. Suit tied perfectly, hair tied in a topknot, eyes darting onto you.

Mister Hayakawa. Number one devil hater. The one who is supposedly cold on the outside.

As he walked toward you, you lightly smiled as he breathed in a cigarette.

“Aki- how are you?”

You were desperate to find someone to talk to by this point. You felt like an outcast at times as stated. Barely anyone talked to you at the moment and before. You couldn't help but feel alone at times. Every time you'd met up for the division to hang out and have fun it'd be the same. You would just be silent and ponder why you even decided to come.

Aki was the only one you knew well in that division. He was the only one who attempted to talk to you. The one who you could sometimes notice smiling in your presence.

Aki, the one you can go to to vent your problems.

Aki, the one who even bothers to ask how you are.

Aki, the one who speaks ever so politely to people that deserve it. Especially you.

Hayakawa Aki, the one who is always concerned for your safety despite what people say. Hayakawa Aki, the one who treats your wounds if you injure yourself. Hayakawa Aki, the one who you can always go to for comfort. The one you trust…

You were broken out of your train of thought, when he responded.

“I’m fine for now, thank you. I hope everything is going well for you.”

“It’s going fine so far- just glad to see you here so I can have someone to talk to. Better than just sitting there alone, am I right?”

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Hm? Don’t you have anyone else who talks to you here? You seem easy to get along with. I'm sure there's someone other than me.”

“Yeah, well…”

You couldn’t help but feel a flutter when he said you were, “easy to get along with.” Did he mean it? Cold devil hater Mister Hayakawa, calling someone easy to get along with? How nice. How surprising it’s you out of all people.

“I don’t really have any, close ones here y’know? I mean…Nobody really tried to reach out to me except for you. Or at least not as much.”

He lightly took a puff of his cigarette, when he spoke again.

“I see.”

You couldn’t help but notice a bit of pity in his eyes. Like he felt a bit, bad for you in a way? It was very hard to notice. But you can swear he at least feels a tiny bit of pity for you. A bit of empathy.

Aki empathizes with you. He remembers what it was like alone. Having to recover his family’s cold and lifeless bodies. Or at least what was left. They didn’t even look human. They looked like cold mannequins disguised as humans. No life in their eyes. He remembers the cold air and numb feeling he felt in his chest. He doesn't even know how to describe it.

He remembers being frozen in fear as he felt indescribable emotions during that time. A bit of denial when he first saw his house get blown away. Trying to process what just happened to not only him, but the entire world. Fear, anger, sorrow, guilt…

He felt alone. Like an outcast, perhaps? Nobody was there. That was something that hit him like a rock. Something he had absolutely no choice but to accept. No aunts, uncles, grandparents, no nothing.

He remembers coming to the realization that he truly was alone. Lonely, is the right word perhaps. Over time, he didn’t feel anything to it anymore as he first did. He was now numb. He felt nothing. Empty, perhaps. He was used to that feeling now. As stated, he became numb.

He has been used to waking up, going to work, and in hopes of getting closer to achieving his goal of revenge to soothe all of the anger and sadness he has. He just felt a bit...empty. Perhaps.

He lived for nothing but revenge. Anger, hate, sadness, guilt.

He’d wake up every day in his empty apartment. It was the same cycle every day since the Gun Devil.

Wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, repeat.

Wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, repeat.

Wake up…go to work, come home, sleep, repeat…

Revenge. That was his only purpose. Nothing else. Repeat the same cycle every day and hope to get closer to his goal as stated. Hope to soothe the pain. Hope to get peace by revenge.

Afterall, he had nobody. So why should he care about anyone or anything else?

Although, there was one exception.

Someone that feels just as lonely as him at times. Someone that sits alone at gatherings, such as this one. Barely talking to anyone. Someone who can listen to him. Comfort him. Support him. Just as much as he does to other’s. Almost as much as to how he doesn't hesitate to pull out his sword to save a life. Almost as much as how with each stab or usage of the blade reduces his lifespan with every time he tears a devil's flesh.

Aki cries, you and Himeno know that.

Even if it is just a partner he has known for a bit or a rookie, he cries. He cares.

Aki, whose heart deserves so much more.

Aki, who is deep down one of the most empathetic and caring man you've ever known.

Aki, who’d cry over your death.

Aki, who would do anything to protect you even if he won’t admit how much you mean to him…

Sometimes, he might even think when he sees you that he might have something in his life other than revenge, anger, sorrow, guilt, or the same cycle for once.

Maybe, instead of going through the same endless and empty cycle, it was pretty fun to talk to you.

The day got a bit more fun whenever he talked to you. It was just recently he noticed that. He'd feel something whenever he would see the way you enjoy talking to him. Whether it was him telling you how ridiculous you can be, whether it was about devils, whether it is him venting his frustrations...

To see you smile, laugh, and to know you enjoyed it just as much. You were so grateful to how he was one of the few, no, the only one who reached out to you in and outside of work.

Aki, the one who tries to include you even in gatherings like these. The one who at least tries to speak to you if he sees you're alone in gatherings. All so that you don't get the saame feeling he gets when he's alone.

Aki, who makes the places where you're usually an outcast, left out in conversations, kind of fun.

Back at the present, you were there in your chair. The air smelling like alcohol, beer, and sweat. Aki stood there. His tall figure looking over you. Analyzing you.

That’s when you realized he has been standing this whole time.

It was a long mission, his legs must be sore and tired. You notice the bandage over his arm due to him donating some skin to the fox devil. He deserves a rest. A whole break honestly. A whole break from this miserable life in general. From this sorrowful world. A world where he could be happy and have a life purpose that isn’t revenge. Aki, who deserves so much more...

It comes to your mind to offer a seat to Aki.

“Oh, you’ve been standing a lot, haven’t you?”

“I guess so.”

“Here.”

You get up, and slide the chair out a bit.

You see he gets a bit confused as you pull the chair out, that's when you explain.

“You can have my seat.”

He gets a bit caught off guard by the sudden gesture. A nice act of kindness to him. He then begins to politely decline, not wanting to take your seat.

“Hm? It’s fine. I’m alright with standing. Thank you for the offer though.”

“Nono, you need a break, Aki. You really should...relax for once. You’ve been through a lot. And we got out of that mission barely alive. We don't even know if we'll survive the day tomorrow...So because of that,"

"can I at least offer you a seat, Mister Hayakawa?”

Been through a lot.

Been through a lot is an understatement.

For a while, he’s had nobody and his only life purpose was revenge.

Yet hear you are, concerned for him. Caring for his life. Even though you know his lifespan has been shortened due to the curse devil, you are still there with him. He gets baffled when he thinks about it. Someone as kind and sweet as you nurturing him. Listening to him. Even if he can't even owe you a full life if he survived. But yet, here you are still wanting him to relax. Offering him a seat. Comforting him. Smiling at him. Talking to him outside of work. Being concerned for him...

You’re a pretty damn good person, he thinks.

Just the way your eyes light up when you talk to him. The way they light up when you get really into conversations with him. That spark in your chest. The way you act that way around him.

He’d pretend to be annoyed by you at times. By your ridiculous conversations at times. Mister perfect Hayakawa. Always so professional. But deep down, he can’t deny it.

You’re adorable.

He gets out of his thoughts about you, about your pretty face. The one he could never bring himself to hurt or insult. When he is about to speak again to politely decline once again, you begin to slide his body down onto the chair stand up.

He gets a bit caught off guard when your arms go onto him. A flutter goes off in his chest as he realizes your skin is touching his.

“Please, let me, Mister Hayakawa.”

You lightly smile at him when your eyes meet his.

Mister Hayakawa. He’d pretend to be annoyed by the childish nickname you gave him just to tease him, however he can’t help but lightly smile at your childish teasing's. How you are always more cheerful around him. Especially when he tries to include you in conversations he notices you're left out in. He can't help but find it cute with how comfortable you are with him.

As he gets forced to sit down, you begin to walk away to maybe try and find another seat or a comfortable place to stand. But that’s when you feel a hand on your arm, ushering you down.

“Since there’s one seat, we’ll make it work.”

“Wait- hu-“

You get extremely caught off guard, when he drags you down onto the chair until you’re on his lap.

“Wait- Aki- wha-?“

“There’s one chair here, isn’t there?”

“How about we both sit here. It works. Doesn’t it?”

Your eyes widen a bit, extremely flustered and caught off guard. You did not expect that at all. Especially from Aki out of all people.

“Aki I’m going to crush you-“

“I’m fine. I can handle you sitting on my lap.”

You’re holding back your weight to not crush him, you're tensed up and incredibly flustered at him suddenly offering you on his lap. You look at him, a bit shocked. As he continues smoking his cigarette non-challantly like it's nothing.

You get even more caught off guard when he has his arms go onto your back and stomach, trying to straighten your posture.

Since when did he get so bold? You wonder.

When did he get so handsome? So charming?

“Straighten your posture a bit, bad posture can cause back pain. I don't want your back being sore on the next mission.”

“R-right…”

You swear you can hear him lightly chuckle as you’re on his lap. On how flustered you are. This is unlike him. Very unlike him. He's a sweet and empathetic man deep down. You know that. However this is in public, in front of others, where anyone can see.

However, this one time, perhaps he doesn’t care.

He wants you to be included. To not be like him when he was alone. Cold, empty, going through the same endless meaningless cycle in hopes for magically finding happiness one day.

Aki empathizes with you, Aki would always understand your emotions no matter what. Whatever happens, he'd always be as understanding as he possibly could with you.

“Aki, are you sure this is oka-“

“I’m the one who offered you on my lap, didn’t I?”

You nod, when his hands go to your shoulders to massage it. He tries to get you to relax, noticing how tense you are.

"You should relax, being tensed up can also cause soreness."

Because of those words, you begin to ease up a bit. You feel your body slowly stop being tense. And you swear you hear Aki chuckle about how flustered you are.

You’re cute. He thinks to himself.

A few minutes go by, and you and Aki begin to have some small talk. Some parts of the conversation about devils, how work is going, life, advice for outside of work…

For the first time in this gathering, you genuinely smile and laugh with him. As Aki looks at you, he notices you have that spark in your eye. The feeling you get when you're really enjoying a conversation with someone. That feeling in your chest. Like a fire being lit up and the flames burning. That great feeling. And if you're being honest, you can tell Aki feels the same.

Aki, the man you can always trust to be your therapist. The one who would wipe your tears if you cried. The one who calms you down. Helps you relax. You, the one Aki is empathetic towards. The one who Aki trusts to talk to. The one he can vent to. The few he wouldn't mind crying in front of.

You continue chatting instead of drinking. Him chuckling at some of your funny or weird retorts. You're still on his lap. Which in your opinion, is a lot more fun than getting high off of beer and alcohol as an escapism from reality.

Perhaps this night was a bit fun after all.

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. yes reader is quirky and not like the others ik. 😩✋🏻

[haruniki]

Valentine Day

CSM Edition (ft. Power, Kobeni, Asa, Makima, Himeno)

a/n: helllooo!! I apologize for my small hiatus, need a bit of mental break. I was having a bit of mental stress but I’m doing good enough to write now so I hope you enjoy!

CW: none, except for the inclusion of Makima and Himeno (i think they need to have the cw??)

Power

Totally forgot about this holiday

If you mention the holiday, Power will state that she’s above this silly holiday and that someone as great as herself doesn’t need to worry about such a meaningless holiday

Though her tune will change as you mention that you’ll just have to give her gifts to Denji

“Well, I suppose your offerings to the great Power could be accepted. As I am the only one great enough to receive such wonderful gifts.”

She grateful takes the gift and gloats to Denji about the wonderful offerings of your undying love.

Aki reminds her that she needs to give you something that way it’s not one sided. She of course makes a plan, a plan even better than her nobel prize plan

Power plans a dinner that she totally didn’t make Aki make and plans to have you sleepover so she can present you the best present in the world, herself. A gift that keeps on giving.

“I hope the tasty morsel that I most definitely made has been to your liking. I have also prepared a wonderful pillow fort so that you can lay in my arms, as well as hold Meowy.”

Kobeni

Planned months in advance

Every detail and every possible outcome, Koebni has planned. She wants to make this impressive, wants every moment to be wonderful. 

Tells you to get ready and that’ll she’ll pick up, she didn’t buy a new car for nothing.

Gets ready like 3 hours before the time she’s suppose to pick you up

Changes outfits way too much before settling one the first outfit she picked. And not to mention that she’s pretty sure her hair has been fried for overheating it from the curling and straighting iron, decisions were so hard to make sometimes

Kobeni first plan was to take you for dinner at a nice restaurant. Let’s you order whatever you want and makes small conversation. Next on her agenda is to go to the beach.

She’s always wanted to go walk by the water at night with someone. Walking hand in hand with you, listening to the waves, and maybe even making jokes.

Kobeni does have additionally stuff for you, and that of course is gifts!

Almost all the gifts she hands you are made by hand. From the card she gifted you to the choclates and paper flowers.

The last gift your given is a photo collage of different photos that you both have taken together through the months that you’ve been together

“uhhh.. I thought you would like this.. The photo collage of course. Uhhh...I really hope this day is great or well has gone great . I.... uhh.. really enjoyed today.”

Asa

Doesn’t really have anything plan

Asa doesn’t want to mess anything up, especially considering how unlucky she is

Though if you ask about it, she’ll offer to take you to get ice cream or maybe to a movie

She doesn’t really mind if you didn’t get her anything, she mostly enjoys your company.

If you decide you want to go somewhere with her, she’ll definitely get dressed up for it. 

Walks hand and hand with you, laughing lightly at the way you excited walk to a local ice cream shop

Geuinely enjoys being around you and is so happy that you also enjoy being around her.

“I know that it’s not really special, but I really like being around you. And I really hope that you also enjoy being around myself too.”

Makima

Doesn’t forget at all, like also had this planned beforehand

Asked you months ago what your ideal date was, what foods you’d like, drinks, desserts, and gifts.

Surprises you with a table set for two and a lovely dinner made by Makima herself.

Makima dressed in her best attire, with a lovely smell of some french perfume that she wears often on dates and when she knows you’ll be present

Pulls out your chair for you and pours you a glass of wine all while complimenting you.

Sits next to you so she can hold your hand, leaving small kisses against your skin every so often as you talk

After the meal she leads you to a room fully decorated with lights and sweet treats in the shape of hearts. Rose petals also litter the room and light music plays throughout the room.

“I thought I would take a different approach to celebrate this holiday. Get a little closer to each other, I would hate to lose your faith in me after all of our previous rendezvous being so glamorous.”

Himeno

Forgets about it but totally manages to play it off

Gets you a big bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates that she may or may not have stolen a few out of when you weren’t looking

Is excited to finally be able to celebrate this day with

Himeno is slightly more touchy and is excited when she manages to get you to sneak off for a few moments alone if you two have to work the day of

Flirts with you throughout the day

As a treat she buys you whatever you want. Shoes, clothes, meals, cute plushies, whatever you want you can have. 

Also, she doesn’t go drinking or drink anything at home. Himeno wants to be able to remember the day without blackouts.

“Hey, I know I’m not like the best girlfriend in the world, but I hope these gifts ain’t too bad? I thought flowers would be a nice touch, but I understand if you have to throw’em out because allergies.”

[aliennazero]

Random midnight rant (01:00 AM), imo people thinking Yoshida would set up a girl to assault Denji is craaaazy because come on now, let's be for fkn real.

The person you think is mastermind in all of this is the same boy who refuse cigarettes because of the law that said minor can't smoke. It's also the same boy who refuse sexual offers in non-consentual situation even though he's clearly could take advantages. He's just weird, NOT predatory.

Yoshida is suck at socializing, yes, but he still has basic human sense. Why WOULD he want Denji to go through all that? Isn't his mission is to keep Denji happy with his current life so he didn't transform into Chainsaw Man?

Oh, also, he planned for their date to be in movie theater, a place that is supposedly full with crowd of people. It's completely not a place to have sex in. There's no fkn way Yoshida hire a prostitute/classmates to specifically engage in sexual situation with Denji there. I think he just overhear a random girl in his class saying she really wants to have a bf then decided to pair her up with Denji in a date because he thought it would be a good idea (also it's Denji's type of girl, a girl who's desperate for boyfriend).

Even if you argue that Yoshida lure a devil here to scare everyone and emptied the room (again, why would he did that, it's counterproductive because if a devil was there then Denji could have reason to transform into Chainsaw Man, it makes more sense if it's really just a coincidence since devil attacks nowadays is that common) someone will come up eventually to clear the devil corpse, there will still be people here. And again, not an ideal situation to have sex in.

I think it's clear that nobody, either Denji or Yoshida expect this situation to turn into non consentual SA.

And if you argue that Yoshida goodbye lines has sexual connotation in it. Well, it's not. It's a simple English idiom. And in Japanese, it's also a basic way to basically say the same thing, to go get that girl impressed. That's all.

"But she's Yoshida's classmate! He should know her weird behaviour!"

He can't even notice HIS OWN weird behaviour and life philosophy omg. He's already confirmed to be socially inept, hard to connect emotionally with others (he keeps every of his relationships as parasocial and transactional only) and bad at reading people. HOW and WHY do you think he would fkn know that.

It's because of his negligence, I agree, but he's not a big bad villain in this!? Stop your overhate on him wtf. Are we even read the same story and same character at this point, hello???? Y'all media literacy is concerning tbqh.

[wishi-selfships]

💭, 🤝, and 👗?

hiiii anon thank yeww for the . submission ((o(^∇^)o))

i forgot to mention this in the tags but there are, technically, a whole bunch of timelines that GabiDen are involved in. there's a whole bunch of realities (that are all canon) so things can be a liiiiittle complicated when it comes to first dates. since on a technicality, they've had a bunch of first dates. So that made this. A little hard to answer !! But since I'm taking a break from art fight refs, I thought it'd be a good idea to tackle this question ^-^!

So, for context, this is a first date between Gabi and Denji in a scenario where they've already build a positive rapport between themselves via working at Public Safety, and nothing (too) bad has happened post Bomb Devil Arc (aka, Public Safety!Gabi and Denji in The Good Timeline 😋👍🏽)

And here is the link to the original post w/ the questions ->

𖤓°⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

👗 - What did they both wear?

Casual clothing! Neither Gabi nor Denji are the type to desire to get all dressed up for a date. Denji, because he isn't very acquainted with the idea; Gabi, because that's simply not something she wants to do all that often.

Denji shows up to the date with a simple shirt, jeans and jacket combo, similar to the one he wears in the Dating Denji Arc. Gabi wears a fitted turtleneck and jeans. I'd imagine she would have her hair done too, so she'd be in crochet braids too ^□^!!

💭 - What were they each thinking during the date?

Denji was definitely pretty nervous!! He'd been on dates before (at least, he thinks those outings with Reze counted as dates... Even if they didn't, he could always fall back on his date with Makima as a reference), but this was different, because it was a date with Gabi. And he really likes Gabi. He liked Makima, and he liked Reze, but something about his feelings towards Gabi felt different in a noticeable way. So he definitely wanted it to go well.

But he was also focused on having a good time!! He wanted her to like him back, to want to go on another date with him, so he did try his very best to impress Gabi; even if he didn't need to do all of that since it was Gabi herself who had asked him. His mind was split between wanting to make sure he did good on the date and internally basking in how pretty she looked and how good she smelled and how nice her voice was and how soft her hands felt and —

—

Gabi was also very, very nervous. Similar thought process to Denji: She wanted to impress him, to make Denji want to go on another date with her after this one (even though, again, he was already locked in even BEFORE she asked him out). She is very concerned with how she comes across as and if she is getting a Good Grade in Dating, which is something every normal person strives for. Assuredly.

Part of Gabi, a consistent, nagging part of her, was continuously worrying over if she was during the right thing during the date. She wanted to make sure Denji was enjoying himself! At the same time, though, Gabi was also letting another part of her mind wander to how happy she felt around Denji. How glad she was that she gathered the courage to ask him out. She was also letting herself get overly flustered over how Denji's hand felt in her own, and the warmth she could feel from his body due to their close proximity.

—

Both of them were also wondering when would be the perfect time to kiss the other. That was, like, am overarching thought the two of them had. Because. Obviously.

🤝 - Did anything happen? (Hand holding, sharing food, etc… o///o)

Hand holding happened !!! Their date consisted of a simple stroll around the city, visiting various little shops and whatnot. And when there's a city, there's crossroads. Gabi thought it'd be cute (and defo a good idea) to hold Denji's hand as they crossed the street. She slipped her hand in Denji's, intertwining their fingers and holding him firmly. And they just... never let go after crossing the street. After that instance, whenever their hands would break apart for whatever reason, they'd always find their way back to the other's hand, locking fingers again.

—

There was also the instance of an indirect kiss. Not on purpose, and it was only realized after it had happened. During one of their stops, Denji had spotted a froyo shop, and suggested that they go in. By suggested I most definitely mean he dragged her inside, but she went willingly!!! And that's the most important part. They both got cups with those little plastic spoons. They both got different flavors, and when Denji expressed interest in tasting Gabi's, she fed him some using her spoon. Denji immediately realized that it was like an indirect kiss, his face growing warm in contrast to the cool treat he was being fed. Gabi is slow and only realized like, ten minutes later and promptly grew flustered over it.

(I guess that also counts as sharing food but ahhh..... smiles and shrugs)

—

Their trip around the city ended around evening, where Denji walked Gabi home (partially because it seemed like the right thing to do; partially because Denji just wanted to make sure she got home safely, even if he was fully aware she could take care of herself). It was around this time that they were starting to wind down; still enjoying themselves, but their nerves had settled, and they were just filled with a comfortable warmth and happiness. Even when they got to Gabi's door, the both of them still lingered, not really wanting the day to be over.

When conversation had died down, and they were just standing in silence, Gabi asked if she could kiss Denji. It was a whim on her end, really, but it was still effective in flustering Denji. Not enough to get him to refuse, though. It was the first time Denji had actually been asked to be kissed rather than just having it thrown on him, and like hell was he going to let this slip by. It definitely helped that when they did kiss, nothing happened. No surprise twist, no betrayal, no negative impact. It was just him, Gabi, their lips pressed together, and the strawberry taste of her lip gloss.

So ,,, eyeah!!! Gabi and Denji ended the date with a kiss; a completely consensual, completely normal, completely pleasant kiss that left the both of them with warm faces, quick beating hearts, and a mutual promise to do this again sometime.

[fumifooms]

Comparing Asaden to other ships for comedic potential

Idk about y’all but I’m desperate for asaden content rn and my brain has dug far into my memories until it found an old ship of mine that is a goldmine of asaden energy: sorayla from The Dragon Prince. Oh also, disclaimer: this is about shipping fanon for funsies lol I’m going very off the rails here. This is mostly comedic “enemies with romantic tension” stuff. There’s another ship at the end of the post too. Definitely putting this under a cut bc I am more capable of shame than Denji tbh. Anyways so let’s-a go!

Sorayla!

Soren is like, so Denji. He’s more jock and like, wholesomely stupid? But also he’s mire of a jerk in that he has no morals ngl, and his ego is humongous. Rayla for this is Asa, she’s pretty Yoru-like too but just cringefail and bitchy enough to be pretty Asa lolol. But, where they really shine is their dynamic together:

Their first meeting is him attacking her. He’s about to attack her while she’s asleep, but then a moonbeam falls upon her face and it looks like he thinks she’s pretty?? But the point is she’s too vulnerable for him to kill her without guilt so he’s like “Sis can u wake her up… So it’s like, sporty y’know” which DOES make me feel very Denji about him

 Anyways, they fight on rather equal grounds after that and she of course doesn’t respond well to that whole mess. And though they become reluctant allies because of a mutual friend she keeps glaring at him because she knows he’s up to no good, this is his response: https://www.tumblr.com/sorayla/182939524430/poor-soren

-———-

From the comic: https://raayllum.tumblr.com/post/631343059979976704/soren-and-raylas-relationship-in-through-the

Just… Just watch this Soren compilation… You’ll get it. https://youtu.be/Tjm_S8DwYBM 

2:48 and onward is the best to get the Denji-ness (and Asa-ness). For Asa-Rayla, there’s much less good content 

Here are some extra moments I could find in image format:

And hey, the best part! : Soren’s character arc is all about stopping blindly following orders even if they’re from someone you hold dear and trust, and stepping into your own moral code and beliefs and standing up for yourself. Rayla’s character arc is about facing her problems, her flaws and figuring out her identity and getting over social judgement & being an outcast!!

Anyways. They’re funny, is what I’m getting at. Cringefail yet murder power duo. Somehow matches the level of asaden murderous intent and dead braincells but while being more functional.

OK NEXT SHIP BC I TRIED TO KEEP IT IN AND COULDN’T: 

Maomao & Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries

This one will be quicker. They’re much different from asaden character wise and dynamic wise too, but a similar thing to sorayla where “she looks at me like she wants my head on a pike, omg I need her to kiss me” happens lolol

Maomao is just wholy uninterested and asocial, which, yeah, Asa much. Jinshi’s cute curiosity in Maomao is pretty Denji. But then it’s kinda like asaden reverse roles because Jinshi is tired af and bitter and childish and petulant, but he acts very elegant and flirty in public & for Maomao (at first), so it’s kinda like Asa & Yoru trying to woo Denji Lmfao. And then Maomao being untinterested and blunt af is very Denji when he isn’t happy with Asa, like when he wanted to avoid her and cuss her out just before she asked him out on a date. Anyways look at this

 Tell me that isn’t Asa looking at Denji & Denji being ecstatic over getting any sort of crumb of attention from a girl. YOU CAN’T THAT GUY IS JINSHI’S FATHER FIGURE. HE HAS HIROFUMI YOSHIDA ENERGY. IMAGINE YOSHIDA WALKING UP TO ASA LIKE “Please stop insulting Denji he rants about you 24/7, he rambles about you being wrong and gives 3 hours long point by point counter-arguments all while blushing and seething. It’s disgusting and I’m not paid enough to be his friend. Please. Do it for my sanity.”

“Please hide your disgust so I don’t have to hear him talk about his kinks” This post really said it best lmfao: https://virovac.tumblr.com/post/680214574839054336/the-apothecary-diaries

Also I think it’d be hilarious if they had some fake-out romantic moments like this: https://lunatic-fatalist.tumblr.com/post/696376478807490560/mao-mao-reaction-to-be-carried-bridal-style-by-the  Them being cute for 1 sec, the other picking up on the romantic ambiance and then them immediately dropping the ball. The post doesn’t have it but the page after that moment Jinshi cusses her out and they end up arguing-bantering lmao

This is a good summary of them lmao: https://wwcrld.tumblr.com/post/642320757689663488/the-apothecary-diaries-by-natsu-hyuuga Anyways go read The Apothecary Diaries. It’s really funny and interesting and cool, it’s a detective sorta story about medicine and politics in ancient China.

I know few people are likely to care about this whole thing but by good god I am obsessed and starved for asaden rn, it’s never enough and I have to start sucking in other fandoms like a black hole or some plague. I hope some poor souls may deride enjoyment from this

[madraleen]

Chainsaw Man - Tatsuki Fujimoto Vol.7-9: A “you’re gonna suffer, but you’re gonna be happy about it” commentary.

-I think it’s sweet that, at home, Denji, Aki and Power have meals together.

-We goin’ international.

-Ah, yes, Aki casually sitting on Denji’s back, just another day in the household.

-Oh nooo, not the Kyoto guys! They were such collateral damage.

-Idk what’s gonna happen, but I know it’ll be unfair if Kishibe dies.

-Wait, what? I don’t understand the Tolka-Master-Santa Claus connection.

-Rip Beam. Rip Beam? Idk, does he revive

-Power’s lil horn broke?!?! Her lil hornie, no!

-Not Angel! I don’t know the stakes, who is immortal here

-Dude, Makima sure is something. I don’t know if we should root for her, hate her, fear her or all of the above and then some, but she sure is something.

-Please help the gang, Miss Makima.

-There’s such cool visuals here - Spider Devil unzipping herself and Makima emerging.

-I’m sorry, did Makima just destroy the Darkness Devil in under one second

-Hahaha, I have no idea what’s happening. Santa Claus now? No idea what’s happening. We’re fighting Santa, I’ll roll with that.

-Denji just lit himself on fire, he’s insane, I love him.

-Right, this all started with a trip, it feels like ages ago, oof.

-Please. The first Devil Hunter was Quanxi, right? The thing off her eye revived her? And the stab reverted her into a human? Where’s the explanation for dummies!

-Kishibe be digging Makima’s grave just as we speak after Quanxi’s murder.

-Wait, for real? One arm Aki, no arms Angel, dead Violence and Beam, Kobeni resigned? Whoa.

-Aww, Denji stayed back for Power (and Aki?) instead of going on the trip, character development.

-How did this get so sad, what. I hate seeing lil bb Power like this.

-Very happy that the Denji-Power bathing scene didn’t turn sexual. Very happy.

-I love this gang. Denji, Power and Aki are one of my favorite gangs, they really hit the sweet spots on what I want from manganime gangs, I hope they stay together for a long time.

-Oh? Oh? Aki backing out of the Gun Devil case? Is it to protect Denji and Power? Is it even his call? That’s on Makima, isn’t it

-Yeah, it IS to protect Power and Denji, gosh I love this gang.

-I’m actually low-key scared for Aki at all times.

-I don’t trust Makima one bit. I only trust Kishibe.

-Petition to let Aki smile, I hurt after seeing his many tortured-soul panels.

-When did the stakes get so high! Those damn emotional ties sneaking up on unsuspecting readers, smh

-Wdym Aki and Power will be slaughtered by Denji. HEY NOW

-Shut the fuck up, Aki, “Whatever happens, I want Denji and Power to survive and be happy” ?!?! Shut the fuck up, we’re stopping this nonsense, no one is dying.

-I love that Angel’s halo looks like a doughnut in so many panels.

-...Jesus Christ, the choir children.

-Dude, the panels of the Gun Devil’s destruction with the names of the dead are hair-raising.

-I don’t know whose side we’re on! I’m tense!

-No. No no no you’re fucking kidding no! You didn’t! Aki the Gun Fiend! You didn’t! Oh man!! I am so shocked, that I’m actually delighted.

-Gun Fiend said, “Aki, darling, let our hair down.”

-This is the worst, this is the worst, bb Aki thinks he’s having a snowball fight with Denji, this is the worst, congrats Fujimoto-sensei.

-Please. Please adapt this. Please don’t discontinue the anime, Mappa, please.

-Dude, this is genius, Aki thinks he’s throwing snowballs, peak pain, respect.

-He killed innocents?!?! You have gall, Fujimoto-sensei.

-When I said to let Aki smile, I didn’t mean... I... Wow, be careful what you ask for.

-Dude, this is a movie. I’m reading a movie. It’s all so cinematic, I have chills.

-It’s masterful. The Devil fight and the snowball fight, seeing what’s going on in Aki’s mind and being unable to hate him and you’re sad about it, but you also know that Denji needs to kill him if there’s no way to save him, damn, it’s masterful. There’s many ways one could show this, but Fujimoto-sensei chose the most intimate. Hats off to you, pet fish-eating sir.

-Oh bb Denji is crying, my heart. My emotions.

-Remember when Denji said he wouldn’t cry if Power or Aki died, lmfao, the character development is so subtle and well-crafted.

-He did, didn’t he. Aki. He did die in the worst possible way. Is he really dead?

**When I say something’s “the worst” or “I hate it,” I actually mean it’s so good that I hate it in context; because I love the characters and it hurts, not because I actually don’t like the development.

[oceansatedogs]

unpopular opinion i guess?

but i feel like it isn't fair that denji has to raise nayuta fulltime by himself without ever having a single moment to just take care of himself. not to mention he probably doesn't get any financial support m and isn't allowed to work + has to go to school

like i AGREE denji's doing a phenomenal job @ raising nayuta, all things considered. and thematically, it's fitting for denji - the person who actually saw makima for what she was and decided to love her in the end, in spite of that - to be the one to care for her reincarnation

but also... he's just a kid himself. a really traumatized one. and honestly, both of them need to be adopted lol

i've been seeing so many takes praising their dynamic & denji's parenting but it's... not exactly ideal or fair, imo. this isn't to say nayuta wants to hurt denji or anything (she doesn't have a sense of the consequences of the things she does yet, because she's a kid just like him). it just feels like once again denji's digging a hole for himself. is he doing way better than he did before? of course. but he still seems conflict-avoidant and puts his loved ones before himself

(WHICH IS FINE, INHERENTLY. but in this context, he could learn to be more selfish. but being a teenage dad doesn't really let you do that. rip)

and understandably people are Not Having it with people calling nayuta abusive and i hope i don't come across that way when i say this, whether here or the tweets i made yesterday. LOL. nayu's not abusive. she's just... a spoiled brat. i'm happy she gets to be the things makima couldn't. but denji spoiled her way too much, and now this kid is way out of control😭😭 i do not blame nayuta for this. she IS the control devil. it's in her nature to be bossy. also she's like, 10-12

but the way i see it, denji's fallen into another dynamic where he has very little control of the situation no matter what he really wants:

caring for a child when he shouldn't have to and isn't ready to either

said child in question sometimes seem to burden denji because again. he is Not ready to be a parent

denji is falling into yet another passive role, though now more self-aware. which is, i think, something we all go through when we try to get better. it sucks denji isn't privileged enough to go to therapy or again, NOT have to care for someone else. because like i said, parenting is a huge responsibility that oftentimes means sacrificing your own needs for the wellbeing of the child

damn i hate how i can't say shit like this without having to over-explain that i am Not Calling The Child An Abuser. but i'm gonna be so real... nayuta's not really the "possessive little sister" i see some people saying she is. but she and denji aren't "the ideal sibling dynamic" either

in retrospect, comparing nayuta to a "helicopter parent" probably was an over-exaggeration of what's going on, but it really, really worries me seeing denji try to compromise (as he should), only for her to spit it back out in his face and basically say "because i said so" "it's for your own good"

because nayuta will not be a cute little child forever! and at the rate she's aging, she'll probably be around denji's age and older in a few more years. that behavior is cute now, but i promise it won't be so cute later🙃🙃

(i do agree with nayuta that getting close to asa is nothing but trouble for denji. but she needs to be taught how to communicate that instead of straight up getting the final say in the situation & not explaining why. because denji, she is like 12. follow your heart. yes, even if it's dangerous)

i just hope denji continues to get better at parenting and overall not assuming the passive role

[6anona9]

The Vivid Vivisection of a Livid Half-Living Dog

Hello fiends, I have here a dark fic. Chainsaw Man gets cut open, vibisection style, so Makima can get what she’s been after (kinda spoiler for the end of part 1 ig??)

A young boy runs through the woods, happily chasing his dog. As far as he could remember, he's always lived in bliss with the strange dog, eating whatever they want and sleeping in the comfiest bed.

"Was this your dream, Denji?"

The dog stopped running, the boy catching up to him.

"E-Eh? Wait, was that you, Pochita?"

"Was this the happiness you sought after?" From the dog's head, a small gash suddenly opened, a red liquid leaking out.

Denji dropped to his knees, trying to cover his dogs head, to stop Pochita from bleeding. Pochita growled before pulling away, an object now exposed from the gash, and the sound of an engine revving.

"Denji has to go back. Denji can't stay in here"

"Wait Pochita let me fix you-!"

"You can't fix me now. Not as long as your body is being torn apart"

Denji awoke in a cold sweat, his eyes immediately locking onto a familiar golden pair.

"He's awake~ that's good to know"

As he went to sit up, he felt something hard and cold on his wrist. His forearm. His stomach. His neck. There was no feeling in his legs. All he could do was turn his head left or right. Standing above him, on his right, was Makima, her white dress shirt stained a dark crimson.

He wanted to keep his voice level, to stay calm, to pretend everything was fine, but Pochitas ominous warning stayed with him.

"M-M-Miss Makima...? W-What are you doing? Why am I here??" There was the sound of beeping, of air pumping, or dripping liquid.

Makima gave a small chuckle, her bloodied hand running through Denjis hair, pushing his bangs back. "Oh Denji. You should have know this day would come soon"

As his heartbeat increased, he tried to thrash around, tried to kick, but he still couldn't feel anything there.

"There's a lot of concern regarding the chainsaw devils heart you know," despite the blood dripping off her, Makimas voice remained calm. Steady. Everything Denji couldn't afford. "I figured I'd take the liberty of saving you from your fate"

She walked towards Denjis midriff, though he couldn't move his head to see her. As far as Denji could tell, he had to be laying on some type of table, reaching the level of Makimas hips. Next to Makima was a small table, though Denji couldn't make out the objects. Whatever they were, they were reflective, as Denji could only see light bounce off the table.

When Makima turned back around, she held a strange pair of scissors, far too long to be considered practical.

"The easy part is over," she said calmly, taking the tool over to Denjis chest, "it'll be a bit tricky from here, but I think the odds are in your favor"

"O-Odds? What odds? Makima please tel me what you're doing!" Denji tried to shake once more, but it remained useless

She looked to Denji, a smirk and an odd glint in her eyes. "Denji should have never been chainsaw man. I'm doing you the favor of returning you to your former state~"

A sudden cold sting sent shock waves through Denjis body, followed by a horrible squelching sound. He screamed as loudly as his lungs allowed, breathing heavily as his eyes widen, the only place he was allowed to look at was the ceiling.

"Denji dear, the more you move, the harder this is, the more it hurts. You'll be free soon"

The boy could barely hear Makimas voice over his own screaming, back arching as the cold feeling plunged deeper inside him.

"I'm surprised you stayed asleep the entire time I cut you open... At least you're awake for me to rip out this pesky demon"

Though Denji couldn't move his head down, he could still see that Makimas arms moved around his chest, and there was only one real conclusion on where her hands could be. Her cold hands made contact with whatever parts were hidden inside Denji, a vibration shooting through his spine and up to his brain, a ringing and pounding against his head, drowning out his own please.

Makima held a firm grasp on something inside Denji, the poor boy coughing as he pushed his head forward, pushing against his metal restrains. The more he coughed, the more he felt a hot liquid drip from the corners of his mouth, his breathing much more panicked as he slowly realized it had to be his own blood.

His body needed to scream more, to be heard, to be found, but he only chocked on his blood and spit, turning his head to the side so that he could push as much blood out as possible.

The woman sighed as he continued to gag, "Denji Dear, I don't mind blood, but I don't really want to be covered in it either. If I get too dirty, I'll have to stop and change.

His vision blurred and mind numbed, his ears barely picking up the snipping and squishing.

"Halfway there now. I'm sorry this was a bit impromptu, but I couldn't afford to wait another minute. Before I rip this chainsaw devil out, you should know there's a chance you'll pass out again."

The boy took deep breaths, trying to steady his shaking body as he coughed the last of his blood out

"One this heart is out, I'll give you a new one but... I'm not sure if I'll be quick enough before you body loses all oxygen"

Oxygen? What the hell did he need oxygen for? It was blood he was losing, it was his heart he was losing, why would oxygen matter?!

"I suggest a deep breath. As many deep breaths as you can. I'll count down, and when I get to one, you need to hold your breath. Stay strong for me, Denji~"

What the hell did that mean deep breath? A count down?!

"10..."

She had already started, the first number ten. Denji had ten seconds to take his breaths and say a prayer. In a world full of demons, there had to be at least one god right? Someone to save him? Someone to make sure he didn't die just yet?!

"5..."

Deep breaths deep breaths don't think about the pain don't think about the tearing done think about the scissors don't think about Makima covered in your own blood

"3..."

The sound of beeping grew louder the more Denji breathed. Deep breaths, but he could only afford shallow ones

"2..."

Just one, just one breath, just one deep breath,

"1..."

Denji took a gulp of air, biting his tongue as Makima ripped something orange out of his chest, discarding it on the table next to him

"Good boy Denji~ we'll be done soon"

Quickly and swiftly, Makima opened a small metal box, pulling out something red. Whatever it was seemed to have a mind of its own as it almost moved, pumping and swaying side to side.

Denjis eyes watered, taking all of his energy not to let go of his single breath. His head turned to see what Makima had discarded on the table, to see what Makima had taken from him.

It seemed small, fragile. And pumped and wiggled, though not nearly as much as the one Makima pulled from the box. It seemed shriveled and yet more wet at the same time. A sickly neon orange, though the lower half was still wet with blood.

Denji could barely feel the pain as Makima continued working his insides as it slowly dawned on him what had been removed. It was his heart, of course, but he forgot what that meant. He forget what had resided in his heart. It wasn't merely a human organ. It was a demon. It was a dog. It was Pochita.

The objected wiggled slowly, sluggishly. Through his own tears, through his own fuzzy brain, Denji was able to scarcely make out Pochitas small face, looking no different from a kicked dog.

Although restrained, Denji still wanted to reach out, pet Pochita, and tell him everything would be okay.

But how could it be?

Denjis adrenaline died as he slowly lost air, his body growing cold, and the beeping quieting.

"Don't quit now Denji. I haven't finished attaching your new heart"

There was a strange weight on Denjis chest, though not in the metaphorical sense. A heavy pressure was being applied, something much colder than Makimas hands.

As his head continued to blur, he could barely keep his eyes open, jaw falling open as he went to take a breath.

But he could no longer take in oxygen.

Once more, he fought against restrains, only for Makima to continue prodding his insides.

"Denji... be a good boy and sit still. Otherwise, you won't have a heart anymore

"I see you've realized it now. The minute I took your heart out, your blood stopped flowing. The minute your blood stopped flowing, you stop receiving oxygen to your brain. Essentially, you body had been temporarily shut off. I could have gotten you a ventilator, yes, but giving you surgery without you knowing required a lot of paperwork, money, and time I frankly couldn't afford. I'm sure you understand"

The ringing in his head and external beeping grew louder, almost fully growing Makima has his body grew numb. Denji no longer had the power to continue fighting, slumping onto the cold, metal table.

Makima took a deep breath before sighing. As she finally took her hands out of Denji, he saw as several tubes were removed from his chest. Makima discarded these tubes on the ground, spilling blood and god know what other fluids as they simply limped on the ground. She turned her back toward Denji once more, retrieving another item from the table. When she turned back around, Denji could just about make out a small black box, a strange light emitting from the end.

A blood stained hand was placed on Denjis cheek as Makimas other hand placed the object in his chest.

"You've been a pretty good boy so far. Don't give up just yet~!"

A sharp current stabbed Denjis chest, a million small knives piercing at his new heart. His entire body jolted as his back arched once more, though only as far as the restrains would let him.

"Ah, your heart still isn't beating... another shock should do"

The feeling came a second time, though this time leaving a burning sensation. Makima chuckled as she ran her thumb against Denjis cheek, eyes fixated on his chest.

"Still no? Third time should do it~"

After a third and final shock, Denji was finally able to scream once more, blood rushing through his entire body as a warm liquid burned his thighs

"Like a said Denji. I kept you alive. And after this, you can go back to your own world. You should have never met the chainsaw devil"

She pulled away from Denji, leaving a blood stained trail on his face as it mixed with his tears. His body remains trapped and his eyes move to Pochitas strange body. Was it really Pochita? He had no limbs. His chainsaw was smaller than Denji could remember. But it had to be him.

Makima picked up the small creature with both of her hands, bringing it up to her face.

"It's so weak and fragile in this state. Barely even breathing."

He eyes turned to Denji. It was the first time they had really looked at each other since he woke up. There was a small glow in her eyes, but nothing was really there. An empty glow, as forgivable as a dying star.

"Don't worry. I'll put it out of its misery"

He couldn't scream. Denjis heart was working. Denjis lungs were working. But he couldn't scream.

Makima unhinged her jar, just slightly too long for a human. Denji couldn't scream as she cleanly ripped Pochita in half. Denji couldn't scream. It he could cry.

What remained in Makimas hand was but half a dog, half of Denjis former friend, the smell of iron finally hitting his nose. He couldn't tear his eyes away as Makima drank the overflowing remains before consuming the rest.

"It's been a long day for both of us," she said calmly, licking her fingers clean. "Sadly, I can't let you go just yet. I need to keep you here a bit longer, just to make sure your new heart keeps beating. I'm sure you won't mind"

Denjis mind could no longer function, his brain going back to Pochita and all the times they'd spent together, only for him to be swallowed hole by another demon. That's the only thing Makima could be, right?

"I'll leave you be for now. What you choose to do with the rest of your life after this is up to you, but allow me to make a suggestion"

She paused momentarily, expecting Denji to respond. When he said nothing, she continued

"You've been free from your curse. But you're still a good dog. And you've given me exactly what I've wanted. So thank you. I wouldn't mind keeping you, if you'd like"

She crouched down to eye level with Denji, his eyes now vacant. She couldn't help but smile at that expression of his.

"I'll give you praise and rewards every day, as long as you behave the way you did today. Again, I'll leave the choice to you, but I think it would be nice. Just think about it. No more fighting demons. No more worrying about food or money. Just be a perfect little pet. I'd call it a dream job"

Still no response

She sighed, "I get it. You're tired right now. Regardless, I'll be watching you over for the rest of the day. Just think it over"

Once she finally stood up, she left, and Denji heard the sound of a door closing. He couldn't scream. He was running out of tears. The only thing that remained of Pochita was a small patch of blood on the floor where Makima once stood.

[mncxbe]

𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓳𝓲 𝔁 𝓯 !𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 ⋆·˚ ༘ *

-‘๑’- I am not familiar with denji's character so this could be not, a 100% accurate!

you were always there for denji, you knew he could be a bit naive, as a result of being unable to have a formal education and socialism due to living in a severe poverty. you understood him, and wanted him to know that too.

so you ended up becoming his safe place out of all people, that caused him to be more intimate with you, and let go all of his problems and just enjoy being with you, which made your heart happy and fall in love with him all over again, everytime you saw him enjoying your company.

but you never thought that he'd be the one to comfort you after a long day..

⋆·˚ ༘ *

you finally got home, changed your clothes and slipped into your comfortable matching hello kitty pajamas and got on the bed.

looking at denji, who was sleeping peacefully by your side. his facial muscles were relaxed, you got close to his face, close enough that you could count his long lashes, slowly crassing his cheek, "how cute.." you thought to yourself.

your tumb was going over his plumb lips, that were formed into a pout, you couldn't help but plant a little kiss on his pretty lips, but when you pulled away, you felt his hand grabbing your cheek and pulling you in for another kiss.

it took you by surprise, but you returned his favor by pulling him closer, running your hand through his messy hair, opening your mouth to let his tongue in, his fingers intertwining with yours.

"had a long day hmm? just lemme pamper you m'love"

pulling away, he cupped your cheeks, placing little butterfly kisses all over your face, making you tickle, letting out a tired chuckle. with him letting his love slipping from his lips through kisses, telling you how he appreciates all the things you do for him, how you understood him more that anyone else and how he'd do anything, anything to please and show his love for you.

he pulled you into his embrace, gently rubbing circles on your back, putting your head in his chest, letting you hear the heart that beats for you. you slowly felt your eyes getting heavy, going to sleep thinking how lucky you were that you had denji.. and he definitely thought the same about you.

✨☕

i need this so bad PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. i need him to hold me like that. DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON "LETTING YOU HEAR THE HEART THAT BEATS FOR YOU" it's so good😭😭 i love how you wrote Denji. bonus points for the matching hello kitty pajamas🩷🫡

[bluelancelion]

I just finished Chainsaw Man's first Arc and I am not normal about it so I need to let it out.

Also warning for major spoilers down here.

DISCLAIMER: Pics had to be blurred cause Tumblr wouldn't let me post them otherwise.

*inhales*

First of all, I fucking hate people commenting their ignorance on Instagram under posts of Denji and Power bathing together naked.

Listen.

I don't think any of you understood the meaning of that chapter.

After the literal hell they experienced, Power was terrified. Terror was the only thing she could feel. Fear. Paranoia.

And who are here for her?

Her family.

I don't give a crap if they bather naked. Dude. Have you any idea how... vulnerable that moment was?

Denji declined a solo trip with Makima because he was worried about Power. Because he didn't want to let her (or Aki) alone after what happened.

Now you can tell me "that's not sibling love, it's romantic/sexual because they did this and that". Look, you can have your own opinion, but I have mine and this post is me explaining my point.

Denji looked after Power, looked that there was no darkness in her mouth or behind her, he made her eat, they took a bath together because Power was so scared to be left alone, slept together and Not👏a single👏 time👏 Denji thought it was sexual/romantic.

Dude even says it out loud for you to understand it.

I'm sorry if you expected a hyper realistic sibling dynamic copy pasted from your sad realistic life, but-

This was literally two broken people, who never experienced a normal life, giving comfort to each other.

Did they want to kiss or fuck in that bathtub? Hell no.

In the bed? They were literally jusy sad, scared and tired. Hello??????

Power let Denji drink her blood because she thought Denji would hate her for making him stay to look after her instead of going out with Makima.

"But can't you see it? That's so romantic!"

DUDE👏

If your sibling (brother/sister) were terrified after a traumatic event and were afraid to even poop alone, don't you stay with them? If they are afraid of being alone in the bathroom, don't you stay with them?? I'll be DAMNED if you find it wrong to sleep in the same bed with your sibling because you're the opposite gender.

If you think it's weird, I've got news for you: Your mind is fucked up!

And the whole giving blood thing because Denji would hate her (spoiler: he would not, but oh well) is obviously cause, DUH, this is Chainsaw Man,

It's not exactly the best most healthy and positivity and flowers and happiness manga. There is not even a slight hint of anything NOT toxic, because surprise! It's a seinen! And fictional! With the purpose of entertainment!

You know what's one single pure thing about all of this? The Denji and Power sibling vulnerability chapter.

You'll have to take them siblings from my cold dead hands.

[gregrulzok]

I saw a conversation about power being dead and this is one the statements

"It shouldn’t be that her sacrifice is meaningless and that denji can get a unearned happy conclusion to all that but that doesn’t mean there should be no catharsis. I think the likely thing to happen is that we’ll get a non power power-esq character who challenges denji to cope with the fact that she’s not the same and will never come back"

I was wondering what are your thoughts on this idea?

I think that's actually really smart!!

Thank you so so much for the question, I am absolutely flattered that you'd want my opinion on this!!! Any excuse to ramble about one of my fav mangas is appreciated lol.

TL;DR because I got carried away: If Denji is a protagonist again, I think reincarnating the Blood Devil as a new character who forges a different friendship with Denji is the only satisfying resolution to Power's arc. Additionally, if the Gun Devil is brought back, I'd like them to NOT forge any relationship with Denji. These could be interesting lessons about loss, letting go, and accepting new people. However, the reincarnations have to be handled very carefully - if they're too different from the originals, the audience may not care. If they're too similar, the original deaths will be meaningless.

--

If Denji IS the protagonist for the next arc (which I don't think he necessarily should be), then a story about him finding the next Blood Devil is probably inevitable. After all, Power's final plea to Denji to find her would be kind of wasted without it. And just like the Control Devil won't be Makima again, the Blood Devil won't be Power again.

Prior to Power, Makima and Aki, Denji never really lost anyone he cared about. If treated carefully, stories about him finding their reincarnations and forging new, different relationships with the people they became (or will become, in Nayuta's case) could be a really powerful story about loss and change. People come and go, and you might never find another relationship quite like the one you lost, but it doesn't mean you should close yourself off to new people.

Additionally, if we're ever to see Aki's reincarnation as the Gun Devil, I think it would be interesting for them to NOT forge a friendship. I love Aki, but the Gun Devil never had any affection or interest in Denji in the first place, and that way I think we cover a lot of interesting dynamics. Denji could struggle to break through and befriend the gun devil, out of guilt for what he did to Aki and desire to see him again, only to eventually accept that Aki is gone.

Makima didn't care for Denji, but Nayuta will have a friendship with him.

Power was Denji's friend, and now the new Blood Devil can be, too.

Aki was Denji's friend, but that doesn't mean the new Gun Devil will care about him.

HOWEVER I DO retain my idea that just subbing in another Power and another Aki could really easily lose the reader's interest. We've already invested in those characters, so shuffling them out the door and replacing them entirely with new characters that are also likely to die invites apathy. (This is also why whatever new characters Denji meets SHOULD include at LEAST Power's reincarnation. If they're all just new people, the readers won't care as much.) On the other hand if they're just re-skins of the characters we lost, their death stops being meaningful. That's partially why I said that Denji might not be the protagonist again.

If this does happen, there has to be a very very careful balance between recalling the original characters while making the new ones stand out in order to pull this kind of story off... And if there's ever a third arc, this should NOT be repeated again.

This is the only way I think Denji carrying a second arc will work.

[j1080p]

Ignorance & The Unknown: A Chainsaw Man Analysis

In a world like Chainsaw Man, there exists many untold secrets regarding Devils, Hell, or their universe in general. It’s inevitable to arouse curiosity within that world. But in a kind of world like that, ignorance is valuable. I’ll be elaborating the value of ignorance in an unknown world.

1.  Quanxi’s Virtue: Voluntary Ignorance

Let’s define what is ignorance first. Ignorance is a lack of information or knowledge. Therefore, how can that lack of information, be something that is beneficial, whether involuntary or not?

We encounter this virtue from Quanxi, a.k.a the First Devil Hunter. She begins by telling a story. A story about the reporter she liked, then discovering that everything about that reporter was a lie.  

Quanxi didn’t told us what she felt about that discovery, but her quote “Ignorance is bliss.” tells it all. Happiness can be found even in a lie. If she didn’t know about the exposal of the reporter, then she would keep anticipating the morning news. She wouldn’t have to feel betrayed or disbelief. Her normal routine would just keep going on. In other terms, there’s nothing she has to worry about. That’s the unexpected virtue of ignorance.

This is also what she tells to Kishibe. To keep a blind eye, not only for the sake of his happiness but also for the sake of his life.

2.  Denji, the Epitome of Involuntary Ignorance

Denji is the primary example of ignorance. He didn’t experience or even has a knowledge of what modernity is. What’s considered normal for him, is considered as the bare minimum for a Japanese person. All of that is the effect of extreme poverty. He was deprived of education, deprived of the normal life. But despite of that, he showed us that he can still manage to be happy, even because of something so little.  

His ignorance made him contented with settling for the less, because less is something he barely has.  

Even after being granted of a normal life, Denji is still living in ignorance. He continues enjoying his dream. Even Pochita is preventing him to know the truth; he is keeping Denji ignorant to avoid the unknown. The unknown that will eradicate that bliss. That dream. Because knowing what’s beyond that door will be at the expense of Denji’s happiness.  

3. Aki’s Future

We also learn the importance of ignorance with Aki and his future. The future devil tells him that Aki will suffer in an inevitably worst death possible and even offers him to know it. But Aki decides to keep his ignorance and not abide by his curiosity, which is a good decision.  

After he made a contract with the Future Devil, he gained the ability to get a glimpse of his future. Despite his decision to remain ignorant about his future, or the unknown, Future Devil does not respect that decision and keeps bugging Aki about what’s coming.  

Aki, of course, does not achieve joy with this. To have the ability to know what will happen, and what is the unknown, sure is a torture. And knowing that it is inevitable, makes it all the worst.  

The time has come and Makima tells Denji to prevent from thinking anything while they fight with the Gun Fiend. Because if Denji is unaware, and believes that his enemy is just the Gun Fiend, then killing it wouldn’t hurt so much.  

This takes me back where Quanxi advises Denji to think that its dolls imitating humans, to keep a blind eye in order for him to eradicate his enemies. Because in their world, you’re left with only two options: To kill or be killed. With a world like that, Ignorance is considered as a survival tool, whether voluntarily or not. A coping mechanism to cope with the reality. Going back to Aki & Denji’s battle, Unfortunately, it didn’t unfold that way.  

Denji successfully defeats the Gun Fiend. However, with knowing the fact that it was Aki’s body. That it was his FRIEND’s body. Just imagine, if he didn’t think it was Aki, and just some Devil who wreaks havoc, he would’ve saved himself from all the pain and grief he’ll encounter in the future. If he followed Quanxi’s advice, he would’ve kept his bliss. That was just the start of him losing his ignorance, of him losing the title, “Epitome of Ignorance.” It will clearly affect him in the future, or rather, already affecting him in the present.

4. Beyond That Door

This is where Denji’s ignorance was abolished, the moment he goes beyond the door. His bliss has come to an end. He learned that the life, the dream he was living, were all a lie. After all, a normal life is too good to be true especially for a person like Denji.  

His ignorance and naivety were taken advantage by Makima. Whether Denji knew or remained ignorant about it, it is still corrupt and evil. But the latter wouldn’t be so bad.  Ignorance is a paradox. It is evil, but at the same time, it’s mercy.  

It’s evil, in a way that we live in a lie. That we dismiss the truth, whether intentional or not. We become insensitive, inhuman, and heartless. But on the other hand, it’s merciful, in a way that it saves us from anxiety, sadness, insanity, and trauma.

However, this will be a massive turning point for Denji. This will be the time that Denji will acknowledge his ignorance, and that will lead him to the wisdom he will need for the future. A “Socratic Wisdom.”

 “Socrates shows how clearing one’s mind of false ideas, even if it leaves one in a state of self-confessed ignorance, is a valuable and even necessary step if one is to learn anything.”

5.   Ignorance & The Unknown: Why Ignorance is a Blessing

 "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." -HP Lovecraft

When we think of the unknown, what commonly comes into our minds is space. That dark vast unknown space. When we think what’s out there, what we think of commonly are the aliens and planets and such. But to know the fact that we don’t know anything about it, or we do know but only a fraction of it, is frightening.  

To know that there is something in that vast of darkness, something that is abstract, that is beyond our comprehension exists, it fills us with horror.  

Striving to comprehend the unnameable will be at the expense of our sanity. The limitless and unknowable quantum of space is something that could never, and never will annihilate our fear of the darkness, or the unknown.  

There are two possibilities that exist, it’s either we’re alone in the whole universe, and we’re not. Both are equally terrifying and dreadful.  

We, humanity, which is known to go beyond our limits, attempt to shed light in that unknown. That’s where Astronauts comes in. But no matter how many ventures is done, and how many studies and theories are made, we would never truly know what is beyond of our world. And that alone, is mercy.  

Some truths, are better left unknown.  

To clarify, I am not saying having knowledge is a bad thing. What I’m trying to say is in some cases, ignorance is bliss. I love acquiring knowledge but I believe there are things better left unknown.